Overview

The Dacia Duster mid-sized family SUV has always represented great value for money, with a decent amount of space inside and a good provision of tech for the price, all housed within a loveably rugged bodyshell. We’ve been such admirers of the Duster in the past that we’ve named it one of our Parkers New Car Awards winners, so the 2024 third-generation Duster has a lot to live up to.

With more efficient petrol engines on offer, no more diesels, and even more tech included, this latest Duster certainly looks the part on paper. Its body has been redesigned to up the model’s rugged presence, while the off-roading capability that comes part and parcel with the four-wheel drive version ensure it’s as tough as it looks. Interesting stuff.

As was the case with the outgoing Duster, picking rivals is tough for a car that’s so well priced. But choosing family SUVs generally available for around the £200 per month mark is a good starting point – where you’ll find that you’ll fit into a Suzuki S-Cross, Vauxhall Grandland or Peugeot 2008 – and you’ll get closer to the Dacia’s often less-than competitive monthlies. In cash terms, its closest rival if the MG ZS SUV, and that car offers an all-hybrid model range.

The Duster range kicks off with the Essential model, with even the cheapest Duster including air-conditioning, rear parking sensors and a range of safety assistance technology. As you move up the range to Expression, Extreme and Journey, technology like a digital instrument cluster, large central infotainment screen and bonus luxuries become available.

Interestingly, the new Duster also sees the arrival of a hybrid engine option – it’s the same E-Tech system that’s already used in the Jogger as well as various Renault models. This new electrified version sits alongside a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a manual gearbox, and in many ways replaces the old bi-fuel LPG Duster beloved of long-distance drivers.

Over the next few pages, we’ll be thoroughly reviewing all aspects of the new Dacia Duster and rating them in our verdict. Our scores will take into account the driving experience, how pleasant the interior is, the practicality on offer and what it’ll cost you to run. If you’d like to find out how we reached our verdict, head over to our how we test cars page to find out everything you need to know.